Six Greenock athletes reflect on their runs in record-breaking London Marathon
This year's London Marathon saw more finishers than any other marathon in history. (Image: Supplied)
SIX Greenock Glenpark Harriers took part in the record-breaking TCS London Marathon.
The event saw more finishers than any other marathon in history.
The Harriers joined the likes of Eilish McColgan and Olympic triathlete Alex Yee, both making their marathon debuts.
(Image: Supplied) Stephen Hanley, the sole Harrier in the field with prior marathon experience, completed the race in 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 24 seconds.
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He commented: "My wee boy Ben had an absolute ball. While I was running, he found a huge bit of empty grass outside Big Ben to chase pigeons.
"Getting the pram back on the Tube afterwards was like marathon number two though!"
(Image: Supplied) After a challenging training period amidst parenthood, he pushed through the heat from mile 16 to the finish line.
Ricky Long used the marathon as preparation for an upcoming Ironman event.
After an interrupted training block, he aimed to enjoy the day while getting the miles in.
He said: "My favourite part was enjoying the whole weekend with minimal pressure.
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(Image: Supplied) "I walked the final 1km with my phone in hand, drinking up the atmosphere, happily saying goodbye to a PB on the official time."
He completed the race in 4 hours, 6 minutes, and 57 seconds.
Jill Turner, who received the sole club place, ran the marathon alongside her best friend and fellow Harrier Eilidh Black.
(Image: Supplied) She said: "I was dreading the part of the course where we doubled back on ourselves and down Embankment as I'd heard it is monotonous, but it ended up being one of my favourite parts.
"The whole run I spent in complete awe at all the different landmarks and sights."
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Both women, supported by the crowd's motivation, completed the marathon, with Jill finishing in 4 hours, 54 minutes, and 52 seconds, and Eilidh in 4 hours, 51 minutes, and 50 seconds.
Alison Robertson, supported by her family and a video message from Joe Wicks, completed the marathon in 4 hours, 51 minutes, and 36 seconds.
(Image: Supplied) She adapted her plan due to the weather and made good use of water, ice, and shower stations.
Alison said: "Saturday morning was spent at the Expo collecting my bib and taking in the atmosphere created by thousands of potential marathoners.
"The nerves and excitement were real."
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Ryan McMonagle, who began his running journey late last year, completed his first marathon in 5 hours, 23 minutes, and 3 seconds.
Despite facing cramp towards the end, he showed determination to finish the race.
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